Traditional Japan

Embark L'Austral to sail along the coasts of South Korea and Japan. Offering a palette of unusual landscapes and cultures, your 9-day voyage brings you between the bustle of big cities and millennial sanctuaries. Departing from Beijing, journey to Seoul, discover Beppu - famous throughout Japan for its hot volcanic springs, contemplate Hiroshima, and arrive in Osaka.

Day 3 Incheon, South Korea

Today, arrive in South Korea for your first stop. Choose from three optional excursions departing from this port town. Enjoy a half-day panoramic tour of Seoul, which brings you to the city's most famous sites. Alternatively, choose to spend a full-day in Seoul on a "grand-tour" that offers stops at the National Museum, the Deoksugung Palace, and others. For a third option join a tour to the DMZ and Third Infiltration Tunnel, a frontier zone in the ongoing Korean Cold War.

Day 4 Jeju Island, South Korea

From your ship, depart the pier for a scenic excursion to Sunrise Peak, or "Seongsan-il-chul-bong," a Jeju Island landmark. The crater of Sunrise Peak consists of 99 rock peaks along its rim that appear as if they are escorting the crater and forming a castle. From here, visit the Folk Village at Seongeup. Alternatively, embark on an optional excursion to Hansupul Woman diver school. If Jeju is the Kingdom of the Sea, Haenyeo (Woman divers) are its queens. Often referred to as “ Korean mermaids,” the Haenyeo have become a symbol for Jeju. Continue on to the Spirited Garden, the world's largest botanical bonsai garden.

Day 5 Hakata, Japan

Arrive in Hakata, your first port call in Japan. Embark a coach for an optional visit to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, well known for Sugawara no Michizane who was banished from Kyoto to Dazaifu in 901 A.D. and died while still in exile. Proceed to Kyushu National Museum, and stop in Fukuoka City's serene Kushida Shrine on your way back to Hakata.

Day 6 Beppu, Japan

Choose from two optional excursions to discover more of unique Beppu. You can join a tour of the highlights of Beppu, bringing you to Mt. Takasaki Monkey Park, a natural habitat for almost 1,000 wild monkeys. Visit Jigoku, or Boiling Hells, pools of mineral water and bubbling mud. On your way back to the ship, stop at the Beppu Ropeway, a cable car which takes you to the top of Mt. Tsurumidake, commanding a view of Bappu Bay, Kuju Mountain Range and Shikoku Island. As an alternative, join a one-hour drive to the Old Hirai Family Residence, a traditional house and garden, then on to the Yamako Usuki Art Museum, and finally to the Usuki Stone Buddha on your return to your ship.

Day 7 Iwakuni, Japan

In Iwakuni, choose to join an optional half-day excursion visiting the highlights of the port city, stopping to see the Kintaiky Bridge and touring the Iwakuni Art Museum, or join a full-day excursion to Miyajima and Hiroshima. Board a local boat to Miyajima and walk to the Itsukushima Shrine. Itsukushima Shrine was established in 593, the first year of the reign of the Empress Suiko. Proceed to Hiroshima where you can see the Hiroshima Castle, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and the Peace Memorial Museum.

Day 8 Uno Ko, Japan

Two optional excursions lead you to explore the region around Uno Ko. Join a tour to see the best of Okayama, the second-largest city in the Chugoku Region after Hiroshima. Alternatively, venture to Naoshima, a small island with a population of about 3,400 located in the Setouchi Sea. Visit several museums to see the unique art for which this island is renowned.

Day 9 Disembark in Osaka, Japan

1 Breakfast

Following breakfast on board, disembark your ship in Osaka. Transfer to the airport for your homeward travels.

Fare Includes:
• English speaking lecturer
• All meals while on board the ship (from dinner on the day of embarkation to breakfast on the day of disembarkation)
• Captain’s welcome cocktail and gala dinner
• Tea, filter coffee, water, a selection of cruise wines white, red and rosé offered during meals; afternoon tea
• Evening entertainment and events
• Luggage transfer from pier to the ship and vice versa
• Room service 24h (special selection)
• Water sports activities using the ship’s equipment, when permitted by local authorities and confirmed by ship Master according to safety and sea conditions onsite
• Park entry fees into protected area

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